According to some studies, 45% of Americans consider relocation to be more stressful than divorce. And even if we can argue the trust in marriage Americans have nowadays, we can not deny that moving abroad or down the street is stressful. So is it possible to have stress-free moving? With a couple of tips and tricks we prepared, you will learn how to make moving easier and less stressful.
When relocating across the world, you will have to do even more things than when relocating to a new home, from hiring an international moving company and packing your boxes to adjusting to a new country. And yes, your relocation stress will be higher. You will feel tired and anxious. If you are relocating soon and wondering how to make moving less stressful, know there are many tips and tricks that can help you have stress-free moves and packing.
Stress-Free Moving Requires a Good Plan and Organization
If you wonder is house moving stressful, the answer would be quite a resounding yes. But, like in any big project, planning and organization are the key to success. So take your time and organize your international moving meticulously.
First, create a relocation checklist of all the things that have to be done. If you are relocating alone and have already picked a home to live in, search for expat communities in that area and connect with them. With their experience and knowledge, your relocation will be much easier. For example, you can avoid some relocation mistakes they made. Or you can ask them all you want to know about the procedures and documentation you need once you move. Every country has its own rules, and relocating to Hawaii will not be the same as relocating to some of the best cities in Europe.
Make a Budget and Calculate Your Expenditures
The next thing you have to do is to create a strategy for your expenditures. Bear in mind that you have to create a relocation budget at least three months in advance, if not even earlier. Even if you reckon on to work in Europe as an American, you will have to save some money for moving internationally. Here is the list of expenses you must calculate in your budget:
- Hiring movers,
- Overseas car shipping,
- Renting a place to live,
- Documents and paperwork expenditures,
- Packing materials.
Set a Relocation Day and Book Your Movers
If you wish to have stressless relocation to another country, you should consider contacting movers. In fact, overseas shipping of your entire home will be impossible without hiring a company for international moving. So, if you wish that everything goes smoothly, contact and book your overseas shipping company right away. All reputable companies will give you a free quote for a move, so you will have an estimation of your relocation costs, and based on that you can choose whether to take other services. For instance, if you think you can save a little bit more money, you can even hire them for international relocation by air or maybe for storage services. Either way, knowing your costs in advance will help you greatly in planning and reducing anxiety. Furthermore, international movers with a stellar portfolio will ensure your move goes smoothly.
Prepare Your Documentation on Time
Another step is preparing documents needed for traveling abroad on time too. And bear in mind that living overseas is not the same as visiting. You might need a visa and working permit. So double-check you gather all the information about procedures and requirements you must meet. If a job is waiting for you there, ask your employer all the questions you have before you move, so there are no misunderstandings. For example, ask if you will have health insurance?
Don’t forget about your car either. You will have to prepare documentation for it, as well. Ask your movers that will do an overseas vehicle shipping what kind of preparations you will have to do.
Tips for Moving Overseas
You probably moved at least once in your lifetime, and you might be excused for thinking that relocating to Madrid or some other European city will be the same as relocating within the US. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. The steps might seem the same, but they are more complicated.
Tip 01 – Find a Place to Live
So you can not just appear in some random country and start looking for a place to live. You will have to do this in advance, or you can go there and stay in a hotel before your belongings arrive and make living arrangements at your pace. The second option is probably smarter since you can actually see a home in person and maybe even negotiate a lower price. But if you cannot arrange this and must find a place while still in the US, don’t worry. There are ways to do this online – just type “renting” and a city where you wish to move in your browser. Or go on Airbnb and book a place for one month until you find cheaper or better accommodation.
Tip 02 – Research the City and Find the Best Neighborhood
Even if you set out to rent a place once you move, you should research your city of choice beforehand. This step will be important for your financial strategy, too. Go on the website Numbeo and search the costs of living in your city of choice. From utilities to meals at the restaurants, you can find prices for everything here. This way you will know how much money to save. Furthermore, on the website Niche, you can look into every neighborhood according to the criteria you wish. So if you are relocating with kids, you can search for the best places to live in Canada or best neighborhoods for families.
Tip 03 – Look Up Job Market
If you are relocating without a job and wondering how to get a job in Europe as an American, the steps will be the same as when finding a job in the USA. OK, maybe a bit more complicated but entirely possible. You will have to update your resume and do good research about the biggest employers in your city of choice. Send your resume to everyone that you find appealing. The more applications you send, the better are the chances to get a job.
Tip 04 – Get Familiar With Local Customs and Language
Even if your country of choice is English-speaking, you will still have to learn something about local customs. As you know, even if you relocate to New York, you will experience a culture shock, not to mention if you wish to relocate to France, for example. So if you wish to relocate and adjust in the best possible way, learn all you can about your country of choice. See what cultural or natural monuments you can visit. For example, if you recon to move to the Canadian capital, search online for things to do in Ottawa, or find the best restaurants if you are a foodie.
Stress-Free Moving Tips for Pet Owners
If you recon to relocate with a dog or cat, you should prepare their documents as well. Talk to your vet about pet passports, vaccination certificates, and other certificates you need. Search online what are requirements in your country of choice because procedures are different in every nation. For example, if you are set out to relocate to Hawaii with pets, you will have to vaccinate your pet against rabies one month before, and not to mention that some animals are prohibited from relocating in. Aside from that, you will have to talk with your air company about their requirements too.
Declutter and Downsize
One thing is for sure – you can not bring all your possessions with you. So if you have a bunch of old fragile items you don’t even use, now is the time to get rid of them. The same deal goes for your furniture. All in all, only take belongings you can not live without, especially if you are relocating to another country. When boxing up, double-check you don’t bring things that are useless in your country of choice. Arrange a yard sale or donate all the unwanted belongings. When making a garage sale, ensure you evaluate your items well, and who knows, maybe you’ll earn some money.
How to Pack for Customs – Best Tricks and Tips
As you know, relocating to another country is not the same as relocating to Connecticut. Another thing you will have to worry about when boxing up is customs control. Ask the company you hired for shipping overseas what items you must not pack. Of course, illegal items are definitely on that list. Also, pack everything in medium size boxes and do not overpack. If possible, use transparent containers as it will be easier for customs officers to examine them, and you will avoid accidental breakages. Do not put your belongings in metal or other non-transparent materials where X-ray can not penetrate, as you will be suspicious and sent for a detailed check-up. Check out this video for more tips on traveling abroad.
Best Tricks for DIY Packing
Relocation to another country will last for at least one month, and your belongings will be on the sea for some period. If you decide not to hire movers for this service, you will have to implement a couple of DIY tricks and tips. For starters, do a good cleaning of all your belongings.
If you have some wooden furniture, use sheets and blankets to protect it, and wrap duct tape around the sheets. Do not use plastic wrap for wood – it will be destroyed from condensations. Use socks and shirts to wrap your glasses and plates. And last but not least, reinforce your boxes with duct tape on every side.
Don’t Forget Your Essentials
Another thing to think about if you wonder, “How can I make moving stress-free,” is to prepare your bag of essentials. Put everything you will need for living for the next couple of weeks in there. Here are just a few items you must not forget:
- Clothing and underwear,
- Bedding,
- Phone and laptop,
- Chargers,
- Batteries,
- Documents and passport,
- Address where you will be staying,
- Hairdryer,
- Traveling iron,
- Headphones,
- Cash.
Of course, if you are relocating with a newborn, you will have to make a bag of essentials for the baby too.
How Can I Calm My Anxiety When Moving? Expect the Unexpected
If you are still asking yourself, “How do I stop being overwhelmed when I move,” the solution will be to prepare yourself for any possibility. Create a plan and backup plans for everything that can go wrong. For example, think about what you will do if your bag is lost and all you have is a carry-on? In this scenario, you should put everything valuable in the carry-on. Or what will you do if your landlord cancels your deal the day you arrive? You should have a list of hotels or motels near this place.
The golden rule is to expect the unexpected, and yes, so many things can go wrong. That is why most people who relocate overseas actually book movers to do all for them. Not only that your worries about boxing up and shipping disappear, but you will have more time and energy to organize other important things. And maybe even to create a plan B.
